Stourbridge Ladies forward Amber Lawrence scored on her return – after being on maternity leave for just under a year.
The 27-year-old gave birth to a little girl on December 26 and has recently returned to training with The Glassgirls for the first time since April last year.
She was picked by manager Andy Fisher to be in the matchday squad against Coundon Court not long after working her way back to match fitness.
Lawrence said: “I can’t really put it into words how much it meant to me to be back in the squad. I’ve had coming up to a year away from football and fitness in general so it’s been a huge transition for me. I certainly don’t ever want to take time out again.
“Returning to match fitness was tough for me, as I had an emergency C-section with my daughter, so that was another major setback. I had to wait double the average amount of time before returning to training.
“My first session back after my pregnancy was a killer, I hadn’t done any form of exercise in just under a year, but I knew I just needed to keep working hard and plough through. I’ve never suffered from an injury before but not being part of the team and not being able to play was really frustrating so I can completely sympathise with those who feel like this regularly.”
Lawrence did not start in the game, but had to wait until the second half to make her long-awaited return. At half-time her side were comfortably winning 4-0 and soon made it 5-0 just after the restart.
She came on in the 52nd minute and settled comfortably into the game. The Glassgirls made it 6-0 in the 63rd minute, but in the 69th minute Lawrence scored her first goal since becoming a mom.
A volleyed cross from the right by captain Courteney Murphy found the outstretched foot of Lawrence who fired past the keeper to give her side a 7-0 lead.
Lawrence added: “It was such a great feeling to score on Sunday, I remember waking up and telling myself Amber you’re going to score one today and that’s exactly what I did.
“I owe thanks to Courteney for crossing the ball perfectly for me to attack, but the ideal moment for me was the celebration, to feel the buzz of scoring again and have the team around me really was amazing. It’s a goal I will certainly never forget and I hope I can continue to contribute more to the team going forward.
“The girls have all been so supportive to me during my recovery, and I owe them all so much. They have achieved so much whilst I’ve been away anyway so the fact they all welcomed me back with open arms is a true credit to them, and to celebrate with them all yesterday felt great.”
In the end Stourbridge ran out comfortable winners of the game with an 8-0 score line. Other goals came from Millie Rodgers (3), Cheryl Edwards (3) and Macey Turvey.
This means The Glassgirls continued their winning ways and keep piling the pressure on current league leaders Lichfield City Ladies.
Stourbridge are currently seven points behind the leaders but have three games in hand and a far superior goal difference. To win the title, they need to avoid any slip ups until the end of the season.
Lawrence and her side are next in action on Sunday March 27 where they face City of Stoke FC Women at the War Memorial Ground.
Keep an eye on the Twitter page @StourbridgeLFC for ticket and more matchday information.
Sporty AF 
Good write up Ashlea well done mom x
LikeLiked by 1 person